3. Introduction to History of Canada.Introduction to History of Canada.
ï It is generally believed that the ancestors of the Indians and the InuitIt is generally believed that the ancestors of the Indians and the Inuit
(Eskimos) migrated to North America across a land bridge between(Eskimos) migrated to North America across a land bridge between
Siberia and Alaska. The ancestors of the Indians arrived at least 12,000Siberia and Alaska. The ancestors of the Indians arrived at least 12,000
years ago; those of the Inuit, about 5,000 to 8,000 years ago.years ago; those of the Inuit, about 5,000 to 8,000 years ago.
ï At the time of contact with Europeans in the 16th century, there wereAt the time of contact with Europeans in the 16th century, there were
about 300,000 Indians and Inuit in what is now Canada. The highestabout 300,000 Indians and Inuit in what is now Canada. The highest
concentrations of Indians were in the St. Lawrence Valley and southernconcentrations of Indians were in the St. Lawrence Valley and southern
Ontario. The tribes there were of the Iro-quoian language family, andOntario. The tribes there were of the Iro-quoian language family, and
included the Huron, Petun, and Neutral. They had complex, highlyincluded the Huron, Petun, and Neutral. They had complex, highly
organized societies, and had extensive contact with other tribes throughorganized societies, and had extensive contact with other tribes through
trade and kinship, as well as through warfare. Their economy was basedtrade and kinship, as well as through warfare. Their economy was based
on agriculture.on agriculture.
4. ï Other areas of Canada, such asOther areas of Canada, such as
the north woods and the plains,the north woods and the plains,
were thinly populated. Thewere thinly populated. The
Indians there had less complexIndians there had less complex
societies and weresocieties and were
predominantly food-gatherers.predominantly food-gatherers.
Major tribes in the northeastMajor tribes in the northeast
were Algonquian-speaking andwere Algonquian-speaking and
included the Micmac,included the Micmac,
Algonquin, Montagnais,Algonquin, Montagnais,
Ojibway (or Chippewa), andOjibway (or Chippewa), and
Cree. These tribes lived mainlyCree. These tribes lived mainly
on plants but also hunted andon plants but also hunted and
fished. On the plains, food wasfished. On the plains, food was
obtained by hunting, primarilyobtained by hunting, primarily
for buffalo. Tribes herefor buffalo. Tribes here
included the Assiniboinincluded the Assiniboin
(Siouan-speaking), the Plains(Siouan-speaking), the Plains
Cree and BlackfeetCree and Blackfeet
(Algonquian), and the Gros(Algonquian), and the Gros
Ventre and SarceeVentre and Sarcee
(Athabaskan).(Athabaskan).
5. ï The Indians of the PacificThe Indians of the Pacific
Coast, such as theCoast, such as the
Tsimshian, Haida, andTsimshian, Haida, and
Kwakiutl, had economiesKwakiutl, had economies
based on fishing and trade.based on fishing and trade.
They developed a complexThey developed a complex
culture, and were masterculture, and were master
woodworkers and skilledwoodworkers and skilled
sailors. The Inuit in thesailors. The Inuit in the
Arctic lived in small, usuallyArctic lived in small, usually
family-based, nomadicfamily-based, nomadic
groups. They moved withgroups. They moved with
the seasons in search ofthe seasons in search of
game, mainly caribou andgame, mainly caribou and
sea mammals.sea mammals.
6. European ExplorationEuropean Exploration
ï The first known European visitors to Canada were theThe first known European visitors to Canada were the
Norsemen, or Vikings. They sailed southwestward out ofNorsemen, or Vikings. They sailed southwestward out of
Greenland and Iceland and landed in what is nowGreenland and Iceland and landed in what is now
Newfoundland, which they called Vinland. ArcheologicalNewfoundland, which they called Vinland. Archeological
evidence indicates that settlement was made on theevidence indicates that settlement was made on the
eastern coast as early as the 11th century near a siteeastern coast as early as the 11th century near a site
called L'Anse aux Meadows. The Norsemen did not remaincalled L'Anse aux Meadows. The Norsemen did not remain
long, and regular excursions by Europeans to the northernlong, and regular excursions by Europeans to the northern
shores of Canada did not begin until the end of the 15thshores of Canada did not begin until the end of the 15th
century.century.
7. ï The voyages of Christopher Columbus first brought widespreadThe voyages of Christopher Columbus first brought widespread
attention to what came to be called the New World, and in 1497attention to what came to be called the New World, and in 1497
John Cabot, an Italian seaman in the employ of England, reachedJohn Cabot, an Italian seaman in the employ of England, reached
what was probably Newfoundland. He took possession of thewhat was probably Newfoundland. He took possession of the
region for England; this act formed the basis of the English claimregion for England; this act formed the basis of the English claim
to North America.to North America.
ï The first expedition to Canada by European explorers was led byThe first expedition to Canada by European explorers was led by
a Frenchman, Jacques Cartier. In 1534 Cartier entered the Gulfa Frenchman, Jacques Cartier. In 1534 Cartier entered the Gulf
of St. Lawrence and claimed the mainland for France. He led aof St. Lawrence and claimed the mainland for France. He led a
second voyage the following year, sailing up the St. Lawrencesecond voyage the following year, sailing up the St. Lawrence
River as far as the site of Montreal. He spent the winter of 1535âRiver as far as the site of Montreal. He spent the winter of 1535â
36 at Quebec (then an Indian village called Stadacona), but36 at Quebec (then an Indian village called Stadacona), but
made no permanent settlement. A third voyage, in 1541, wasmade no permanent settlement. A third voyage, in 1541, was
made to prepare the way for a colonizing expedition by the Sieurmade to prepare the way for a colonizing expedition by the Sieur
de Roberval. In 1542 Roberval established a settlement on thede Roberval. In 1542 Roberval established a settlement on the
St. Lawrence upriver from Stadacona, but the colony lasted onlySt. Lawrence upriver from Stadacona, but the colony lasted only
a few months. There were no other French ventures in Canadaa few months. There were no other French ventures in Canada
until the 1600's.until the 1600's.
ï In 1576 Martin Frobisher, an English explorer searching for aIn 1576 Martin Frobisher, an English explorer searching for a
northwest passage (a water route across the northern edge ofnorthwest passage (a water route across the northern edge of
North America) to the Far East, reached what is now FrobisherNorth America) to the Far East, reached what is now Frobisher
Bay on Baffin Island, north of Labrador. He made two additionalBay on Baffin Island, north of Labrador. He made two additional
voyages to the region, in 1577 and 1578.voyages to the region, in 1577 and 1578.
8. ï Beginning in the mid-16th century, another commercialBeginning in the mid-16th century, another commercial
activity startedâthe fur trade. In order to promote its fur-activity startedâthe fur trade. In order to promote its fur-
trading activities in the region it called Acadia (the Atlantictrading activities in the region it called Acadia (the Atlantic
coast of Canada), France attempted to settle colonistscoast of Canada), France attempted to settle colonists
near trading posts it had built there. In 1598 the Marquisnear trading posts it had built there. In 1598 the Marquis
de la Roche established a colony on Sable Island east ofde la Roche established a colony on Sable Island east of
present-day Nova Scotia. It did not flourish and waspresent-day Nova Scotia. It did not flourish and was
abandoned, as was an inland settlement founded byabandoned, as was an inland settlement founded by
Pierre de Cahauvin de Tonnetuit at Tadoussac, at thePierre de Cahauvin de Tonnetuit at Tadoussac, at the
mouth of the Saguenay River in what is now Quebec.mouth of the Saguenay River in what is now Quebec.
ï Quebec City became headquarters for the fur trade, whichQuebec City became headquarters for the fur trade, which
was to be the main economic activity of New France, aswas to be the main economic activity of New France, as
French possessions in Canada were then called.French possessions in Canada were then called.
Champlain made explorations into the interior and formedChamplain made explorations into the interior and formed
an alliance with the Huron and Algonquin Indians. Thisan alliance with the Huron and Algonquin Indians. This
association soon involved the French in a war against theassociation soon involved the French in a war against the
Iroquois, and they incurred the lasting enmity of the tribesIroquois, and they incurred the lasting enmity of the tribes
of this powerful confederation.of this powerful confederation.
9. ï The French government encouraged settlement in New France, but initially fewThe French government encouraged settlement in New France, but initially few
settlers came. In 1615 there were only about 50 French colonists in the St.settlers came. In 1615 there were only about 50 French colonists in the St.
Lawrence settlement. In order to bring Christianity to the Indians, Champlain invitedLawrence settlement. In order to bring Christianity to the Indians, Champlain invited
Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries to New France. The French hoped to build aFranciscan and Jesuit missionaries to New France. The French hoped to build a
strong Catholic Indian state to block expansion by the English, who were colonizingstrong Catholic Indian state to block expansion by the English, who were colonizing
to the south in what is now the United States. Missions among the Indians wereto the south in what is now the United States. Missions among the Indians were
established far into the interior, but few Indians were converted.established far into the interior, but few Indians were converted.
ï Meanwhile, in 1627, England and France had gone to war in Europe, and theMeanwhile, in 1627, England and France had gone to war in Europe, and the
English began to make incursions into New France. In 1627 Sir William Alexander,English began to make incursions into New France. In 1627 Sir William Alexander,
a Scottish colonizer who had been granted title to what is now Nova Scotia (Newa Scottish colonizer who had been granted title to what is now Nova Scotia (New
Scotland) by King James I of England, established a settlement there at theScotland) by King James I of England, established a settlement there at the
abandoned site of Port Royal. In 1629 an English adventurer, David Kirke, seizedabandoned site of Port Royal. In 1629 an English adventurer, David Kirke, seized
Quebec. The city was restored to the French, as was Port Royal, by the Treaty ofQuebec. The city was restored to the French, as was Port Royal, by the Treaty of
St. Germaine-en-Laye in 1632. . By the 1660's, however, there were only someSt. Germaine-en-Laye in 1632. . By the 1660's, however, there were only some
2,500 settlers in New France, as compared to more than 40,000 English colonists2,500 settlers in New France, as compared to more than 40,000 English colonists
to the south. From 1627 to 1663, the Company of New France, a fur-tradingto the south. From 1627 to 1663, the Company of New France, a fur-trading
company, controlled all activity in New France. In 1663 Louis XIV, who wascompany, controlled all activity in New France. In 1663 Louis XIV, who was
determined to build a self-sufficient empire in North America, made New France adetermined to build a self-sufficient empire in North America, made New France a
royal colony under his direct control.royal colony under his direct control.
ï In 1672 Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, was appointed governor. For nearlyIn 1672 Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, was appointed governor. For nearly
20 years, 1672â82 and 1689â98, he ruled New France with a firm hand. He20 years, 1672â82 and 1689â98, he ruled New France with a firm hand. He
expanded the fur trade to Lake Superior and Hudson Bay, established a number ofexpanded the fur trade to Lake Superior and Hudson Bay, established a number of
military posts, defended the colony against attacks by the Iroquois, and conductedmilitary posts, defended the colony against attacks by the Iroquois, and conducted
a series of raids against English settlements. Nevertheless, at the beginning of thea series of raids against English settlements. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the
18th century, the prospects for the survival of New France were not favorable.18th century, the prospects for the survival of New France were not favorable.
10. ï The final struggle between the British and French for control of the NorthThe final struggle between the British and French for control of the North
American continent was the French and Indian War, 1754â63. (TheAmerican continent was the French and Indian War, 1754â63. (The
European phase was called the Seven Years' War and began in 1756.)European phase was called the Seven Years' War and began in 1756.)
The decisive victory in this conflict was the taking of Quebec, theThe decisive victory in this conflict was the taking of Quebec, the
administrative capital of New France. During the battle on the Plains ofadministrative capital of New France. During the battle on the Plains of
Abraham in 1759, British troops under General James Wolfe capturedAbraham in 1759, British troops under General James Wolfe captured
Quebec, defeating French forces under the Marquis de Montcalm. TheQuebec, defeating French forces under the Marquis de Montcalm. The
fighting continued until Montreal surrendered in 1760. Under the Treaty offighting continued until Montreal surrendered in 1760. Under the Treaty of
Paris of 1763, which completed the British conquest of New France, theParis of 1763, which completed the British conquest of New France, the
French ceded to Great Britain all of their territory in Canada except aFrench ceded to Great Britain all of their territory in Canada except a
group of islands, including St. Pierre and Miquelon, off Newfoundland. Ingroup of islands, including St. Pierre and Miquelon, off Newfoundland. In
Canada at that time, there were about 60,000 French settlers and someCanada at that time, there were about 60,000 French settlers and some
500 Britons, most of the latter being fur traders working for the Hudson's500 Britons, most of the latter being fur traders working for the Hudson's
Bay Company.Bay Company.
11. ï In 1774 the British parliament passed the Quebec Act, whichIn 1774 the British parliament passed the Quebec Act, which
gave French Canadians important privileges. In order togave French Canadians important privileges. In order to
encourage their loyalty to Britain, they were allowed to keepencourage their loyalty to Britain, they were allowed to keep
their own language, religion, and laws. The act alsotheir own language, religion, and laws. The act also
established new boundaries for the province; it was toestablished new boundaries for the province; it was to
include all the territory north to the Hudson's Bay Companyinclude all the territory north to the Hudson's Bay Company
lands, as well as the Indian lands southwest to the junctionlands, as well as the Indian lands southwest to the junction
of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The claiming of the Indianof the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The claiming of the Indian
lands angered many colonists in the Thirteen Colonies (thelands angered many colonists in the Thirteen Colonies (the
colonies that were to become the United States) and was acolonies that were to become the United States) and was a
cause of the American Revolution.cause of the American Revolution.
ï British settlers began coming to Canada in large numbersBritish settlers began coming to Canada in large numbers
during the American Revolution. About 60,000 residents ofduring the American Revolution. About 60,000 residents of
the Thirteen Colonies who remained loyal to Britain movedthe Thirteen Colonies who remained loyal to Britain moved
to what are now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and theto what are now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the
southern part of Ontario. These immigrants, known assouthern part of Ontario. These immigrants, known as
United Empire Loyalists, and their descendants exercised aUnited Empire Loyalists, and their descendants exercised a
strong and lasting influence on Canada. They were the firststrong and lasting influence on Canada. They were the first
large group of British settlers in the region and were mainlylarge group of British settlers in the region and were mainly
responsible for the creation of what was to become Ontario.responsible for the creation of what was to become Ontario.
12. ï Canada was governed from 1774 to 1791 under the terms ofCanada was governed from 1774 to 1791 under the terms of
the Quebec Act. As the number of British settlers increased,the Quebec Act. As the number of British settlers increased,
however, it became clear to Britain that this act was nohowever, it became clear to Britain that this act was no
longer adequate. British institutions needed to belonger adequate. British institutions needed to be
transplanted to British North America. This wastransplanted to British North America. This was
accomplished by the Constitutional Act of 1791. Theaccomplished by the Constitutional Act of 1791. The
Constitutional Act divided the colony into the provinces ofConstitutional Act divided the colony into the provinces of
Upper Canada (now southern Ontario) and Lower CanadaUpper Canada (now southern Ontario) and Lower Canada
(now southern Quebec). It provided each province with an(now southern Quebec). It provided each province with an
appointed lieutenant governor, appointed executive andappointed lieutenant governor, appointed executive and
legislative councils, and an elected legislative assembly.legislative councils, and an elected legislative assembly.
Upper Canada, which was English-speaking, had aUpper Canada, which was English-speaking, had a
population of about 20,000; Lower Canada, mostly French-population of about 20,000; Lower Canada, mostly French-
speaking, had approximately six times that number. Not aspeaking, had approximately six times that number. Not a
part of the colony of Canada, and developing separately,part of the colony of Canada, and developing separately,
were British settlements along the Atlantic coastâNovawere British settlements along the Atlantic coastâNova
Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, andScotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and
Newfoundlandâand Rupert's Land, the territory to the westNewfoundlandâand Rupert's Land, the territory to the west
owned by the Hudson's Bay Company.owned by the Hudson's Bay Company.
13. ï Confederationâthe creation of a federal systemâhad beenConfederationâthe creation of a federal systemâhad been
suggested early in the 19th century and had been urged bysuggested early in the 19th century and had been urged by
the Earl of Durham. It was not until 1864, however, that stepsthe Earl of Durham. It was not until 1864, however, that steps
toward that end were actually taken. First, a coalitiontoward that end were actually taken. First, a coalition
government in Canada, composed of both reformers andgovernment in Canada, composed of both reformers and
conservatives and headed by longtime foes Macdonald andconservatives and headed by longtime foes Macdonald and
Brown, was formed in June to work for a federal union. Then,Brown, was formed in June to work for a federal union. Then,
in September, representatives of East and West Canada metin September, representatives of East and West Canada met
with the leaders of the Maritime Provinces at Charlottetown,with the leaders of the Maritime Provinces at Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island. Finally, in Quebec in October, aPrince Edward Island. Finally, in Quebec in October, a
conference of delegates from Canada, New Brunswick, Novaconference of delegates from Canada, New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island adopted aScotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island adopted a
set of resolutions outlining a plan uniting British Northset of resolutions outlining a plan uniting British North
America. These resolutions were contained in the BritishAmerica. These resolutions were contained in the British
North America Act, which was passed by the BritishNorth America Act, which was passed by the British
parliament in 1867 and came into force on July 1 of that year.parliament in 1867 and came into force on July 1 of that year.
ï The act created the Dominion of Canada, consisting of theThe act created the Dominion of Canada, consisting of the
four provinces of Ontario (formerly Canada West), Quebecfour provinces of Ontario (formerly Canada West), Quebec
(Canada East), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.(Canada East), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
(Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island chose not to join at(Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island chose not to join at
this time.) The capital of the new country was at Ottawa inthis time.) The capital of the new country was at Ottawa in
Ontario.Ontario.